I’d spent a long time a few weeks back talking with the owner, Matt, about what to expect. Deep down, I wasn’t so much scared of the pain, but that getting pierced would make me into a different person.

But we’re all becoming different people, every day. The trick is to transform in a healthy, playful way.

And for me, getting pierced seemed like a warrior goddess tradition. Why not get in on that action? And increase the bling factor in my life?

Here’s me before, flaunting my lobe:

My last few moments as an unpierced lady.

And here’s me after:

My shiny, sterilized earlobe, post-needle.

The pain wasn’t bad. It felt like a small, vindictive animal sinking one sharp tooth into my earlobe.

I went with purple labret studs for the starter earrings. Zohal said that the sparkle on my ears made my eyes look brighter too.

Me and the piercing pro: Matt from Ancient Arts.

Thanks to Matt and my girlfriends for making this body art ritual fun and memorable!